Lufkin church members use break to build a home

While many East Texans spent their spring break on relaxing trips, 31 members of Lufkin's First Baptist Church used their break helping a family.

"It was hard work. I was proud to see how hard our members were working. I had a real sense of satisfaction and accomplishment," said pastor, Dr. Andy Pittman.

Pittman realizes that family vacation time is important, making the trip even more special.

"I'm just glad members of Lufkin's First Baptist Church would choose to do this over something focused on their self," said Pittman.

The project was a collaboration between the church and the Buckner Family Place.

"We take missions very seriously. We want to do missions all over the world," said Pittman.

The house was framed in town then shipped to the valley. Once it arrived in South Texas, church volunteers of all ages worked on finishing it.

Besides time issues, the volunteers also had to deal with language issues. The family receiving the house knew very little English. The group had to rely on one bilingual volunteer to communicate with the parents.

Pittman spent three days on the project and describes the area as a place that looked like it belonged in a Third World country. Before getting the house, the family lived in an old trailer, missing all the windows and front door.

Pittman feels this was more than a humanitarian mission.

"It was a way to serve a basic need but also a way for us to model and demonstrate the love God showed for us," said Pittman.

Because of this project, one family now has a place they can call home.

In the wake of an incident in which the driver of a Ford Explorer allegedly almost backed into a Lufkin PD patrol unit while he was fleeing a traffic stop Monday afternoon, the police department will be seeking a warrant for his arrest.

In the wake of an incident in which the driver of a Ford Explorer allegedly almost backed into a Lufkin PD patrol unit while he was fleeing a traffic stop Monday afternoon, the police department will be seeking a warrant for his arrest.